By Anthony Blake on January 22, 2015
2015 NFL Draft: Chargers Seven-Round Mock 1.0
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Unrest over the future of the franchise’s home has been a big topic surrounding the San Diego Chargers’ offseason thus far, but the 2015 NFL Draft will help add some more pleasant chatter to the hiatus from the field. A 9-7 finish in 2014 wasn’t enough to make the postseason, but the Bolts aren’t far off from becoming a serious competitor in the AFC. Here’s what they need from the upcoming draft to help them get there.
Round 1: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
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Round 1: Danny Shelton, DT, Washington
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
It would take a minor miracle for Danny Shelton to get past the Cleveland Browns at No. 12 overall, but if he does, the Chargers would be thrilled to land him. Not since Jamal Williams has this franchise had a legitimate nose tackle for their 3-4 defense, and at 6-foot-1, 327 pounds, Shelton certainly qualifies. He would also be a great fit for John Pagano’s multiple-front defense with the ability to penetrate and disrupt plays in the backfield.
Round 2: A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina
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Round 2: A.J. Cann, OG, South Carolina
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The offensive line in front of Philip Rivers has been somewhat lackluster for the past handful of years. A.J. Cann is a powerfully built 6-foot-3, 311 pounds, and he would help restore some protection for Rivers as well as revitalize a disappointing running game. Adding more power in Cann to the mountain of a man known as D.J. Fluker would give the Bolts two of the most physically intimidating linemen in the league.
Round 3: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama
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Round 3: T.J. Yeldon, RB, Alabama
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Ryan Mathews is likely heading elsewhere in free agency, and neither Donald Brown nor Branden Oliver are feature back material. Former Alabama back T.J. Yeldon has the potential to be just that, however, and he would be a terrific fit in San Diego. There may be some durability concerns with Yeldon given what the Bolts have endured with Mathews’ fragile nature, but at 6-foot-2, 221 pounds, his upright running style shouldn't be a big worry.
Round 4: Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville
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Round 4: Lorenzo Mauldin, OLB, Louisville
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A high character player with terrific production at Louisville, Lorenzo Mauldin would be an absolute steal for the Chargers in Round 4. The Bolts landed Jeremiah Attoachu in Round 2 last year as one pass rusher for the arsenal, but with just 26 sacks last season (29th), it’s clear they need more help. With a combined 16.0 sacks and 24 tackles for loss over the past two seasons, Mauldin can offer something the San Diego defense desperately needs.
Round 5: Christian Covington, DT, Rice
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Round 5: Christian Covington, DT, Rice
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Inconsistent play along the defensive line left the Chargers vulnerable against the run and lacking pressure on opposing QBs in 2014. Bringing in a player with high potential like Christian Covington could do wonders for both of those areas looking ahead. A dislocated knee cap in November will prevent him from working out for teams and hurt his draft stock, but that could help the Chargers land the 6-foot-3, 300-pound gem in Round 5.
Round 6: Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan
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Round 6: Titus Davis, WR, Central Michigan
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This wide receiver class is so deep that Titus Davis doesn’t even crack the top 25 in many rankings, but the Central Michigan alum is more than worthy of a selection. In a similar mold to Keenan Allen, Davis won’t blow anyone away physically, but he just knows how to get open. Sometimes that is the most valuable skill to translate at the next level, and the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Davis has a resume that suggests he’ll do just fine on Sundays.
Round 7: Brandon Bridge, QB, South Alabama
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Round 7: Brandon Bridge, QB, South Alabama
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Both Philip Rivers and backup Kellen Clemens are closer to retirement than their rookie years, so a roll of the dice on a high-upside QB would make a ton of sense in Round 7. Brandon Bridge has the tools to make scouts drool at 6-foot-4, 226 pounds with a rocket arm and lightning quick release, but his South Alabama small-school background is a concern. With some development holding the clipboard for a couple years, this kid could become a star.
Anthony Blake is a Senior Writer/Copy Editor for Rant Sports. You Can Follow Him on Twitter, on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google .
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